Craft beer, shopping, and music: Virginia's craft beer scene continues to provide new opportunities for brewers and drinkers, this time providing an extra excuse to bring the family.

On December 8, 2012, Virginia's largest indoor craft beer festival is coming to Meadow Event Park, home of the State Fair of Virginia. The event will be held from 12-7pm, with 15 Virginia breweries, live music, Virginia food, and shopping, with beer accessories, unique local artisans, and other vendors.

Two special tappings at the festival are

At 1pm, the first tapping of the Hardywood Bourbon Barrel Gingerbread Stout (at the Hardywood Park booth, tastings only)

Breweries announced so far are Corcoran, Blue Lab, Hardywood Park, Legend, Center of the Universe, Midnight, and Extra Billy's. Admission is free, and tasting tickets are only $1 each, or $10 for a passport of 12 2-ounce tastings.